Dickson steers Somerset to T20 Blast Finals Day with last-over heroics

Sean Dickson produced a sensational finish to take Somerset through to the Vitality Blast Finals Day, hitting two sixes and a four in the final over as Somerset chased down 191 to beat the Taunton Bears by four wickets.

The Bears posted 190 for 6 in their 20 overs, Alex Davies top-scoring with 71 as Somerset bowlers struggled to contain a late flurry of runs. Somerset reached 191 for 6 with one ball to spare after Dickson's unbeaten 71 off 26 balls and captain Tom Abell's 51 had steadied the chase when it threatened to collapse.

Requiring 19 from the last over, Somerset faced Ed Barnard, who had been trusted to close the innings for the Bears. Dickson answered by smashing two successive sixes and following with a four to bring Somerset home with one delivery remaining. The 34-year-old arrived at the crease with Somerset 80 for 3 and a steep asking rate, first building a partnership with Abell and then accelerating to secure victory.

Hannon-Dalby was the pick of the Bears' bowlers with figures of 3 for 24. For Somerset, the late onslaught was powered by Dickson, whose innings included three half-centuries in this year's T20 Blast, and Abell, whose anchoring 51 provided the platform for the finish. The win sends Somerset into a semi-final against Lancashire and marks a record-equalling 11th appearance at Finals Day for the county.

The result extended the Bears' misfortune in quarter-final encounters at the T20 Blast. Despite a competitive total and contributions from their top order, they were unable to close out a match that looked increasingly in their favour after Davies' top-scoring effort.

Somerset's chase drew praise for its late composure after a period of sustained pressure, the side displaying both calculated partnerships and aggressive finishers. Dickson's cameo — unbeaten and delivered in quick-fire fashion — changed the balance of the match in the final stages and ensured Somerset progress in the domestic T20 competition.

The victory keeps Somerset's hopes of T20 silver alive as they prepare to face Lancashire in the semis, while the Bears must regroup following another narrow quarter-final exit in the competition.